Emma Raducanu's former coach joins rival weeks after split

Francisco Roig, the former coach of Emma Raducanu, has been hired by world No. 4 Iga Swiatek, just weeks after his split with the former US Open champion.

Back in late January, Raducanu parted ways with Roig following her 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 loss to 55th-ranked Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Australian Open.

The pair only began working together in August but parted ways after some disagreements.

Speaking about the decision in an interview with Sky Sports, Raducanu revealed it was Roig's decision to walk away.

"After Australia, me and Francis were talking. We have a great relationship, we could have a really open and honest conversation," Raducanu told Sky Sports.

"He ended up saying, 'Look, I don't think this is going in the way we both want it to', so he ended it really. In a way, I think we had a few moments where we weren't agreeing on a few things. Other than that, we still maintain a great relationship."

After the defeat to Potapova in Melbourne, Raducanu said she was ready to re-evaluate and discover her identity. Roig, meanwhile, has moved on quickly.

Francisco Roig and Emma Raducanu during her match against Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati. Image credit: Getty

The 58-year-old Spaniard, who is best known for his 17-year stint with Rafael Nadal's coaching team, is now working alongside former Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek.

Confirming the news in a post on her Instagram story on Thursday (April 2), Swiatek wrote: "Welcome to the team, Francisco! Very excited for this new chapter."

Swiatek parted ways with previous coach Wim Fissette in March following her early exit from the Miami Open.

This year, the six-time major winner has failed to advance past the quarter-final stages at all four of the tournaments she has played in.

"Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court of course," Swiatek said in a statement.

"I've also learned a lot of important lessons and I think that's very human. That being said, after many months of working together with my coach Wim Fissette, I've decided to take a different path."

Swiatek with new coach Francisco Roig. Image credit: Instagram/iga.swiatek

Raducanu, meanwhile, is yet to appoint another permanent coach since splitting with Roig, although she has been working with Mark Petchey, who was Andy Murray's coach.